As it sinks in, I see a world that’s cheering me on. A world, you might say, that’s hard at work. Full of dedicated and industrious citizens getting things done.

I admire their resourcefulness and stamina. I do. I really do.

And yet, all I can manage is a goofy smile while the lyrics to an ancient Irving Berlin tune slowly stretch inside of me. Before I know it they’re awake, ready to dance me around the kitchen floor.

YES. THAT’S ME. DANCING TO A SONG ABOUT LAZINESS.

LazyI want to be lazyI want to be out in the sunWith no work to be done

Under that awning
They call the sky
Stretching and yawning
And let the world go drifting by

I want to peep
Through the deep
Tangled wildwood
Counting sheep
’til I sleep
Like a child would

With a great big valise full
Of books to read where it’s peaceful
While I’m
Killing time
Being lazy

Life is shortAnd getting shorter with each day that goes byAnd how the time does flyBefore you know, it’s overThat’s why I’mIn such a hurry to pack my things and flyTo a spotWhere it’s nice and hotAnd hear the birdies singWhile I’m being…

YUP. YOU GOT IT. LAZEEEEEY.

In fact, those song lyrics will give you an inkling of how lazy I truly am. During another week I might have been ambitious enough to actually sing the song so you could hear it. But this week? Nah.

BECAUSE I’M JUST TOO DARN LAZY.

My ambition has been hijacked by summer’s sweet rebels. They’re packing squirt guns, ice cream, and water balloons. And truth be told, I was an easy mark. They had me at hello.

Throw in the scent of lavender wafting by on a warm evening breeze. A slice of watermelon. A brightly colored magazine. OK. Yes. I’m a goner.

SO HERE I SIT, LAZILY PONDERING ALL THINGS LAZY.

And I can’t help but notice the words associated with laziness. I mean, they’re kind of negative:

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54 thoughts on “Meaning Mondays: Lazy”

I enjoyed reading this post, Patty. Your writer voice sings to me in a sweet, lyrical way. Your writing makes me want to pick a pocket full of posies.

What about laziness? Well, I think it’s good to pay attention if we become uncharacteristically lazy — it’s probably a signal from our bodies that we should slow down. I grew up thinking that being lazy was an abomination, to it’s hard for me to slow down these days and be lazy. But do it when my body tell me to do so. And I listen intently.

I love how you wrote about lazy. It makes want to gently swing in a hammock as my hubbie makes me a crisp lemonade treat to sip.

Oh yes, do get your hubby to make you that lemonade, Lori. Mine did (well, it was out of a cartoon, but you know), and it was just the perfect accompaniment to my bout of laziness. I think that’s interesting too that you say you grew up thinking it was terrible to be lazy. There is a lot of baggage around that word, isn’t there? Thanks so much for your sweet comments, and you take care too! xo

Busyness is fine, but not busyness for busyness’ sake. It’s just a lot of flurry and activity which a hamster in a wheel can make look more acceptable – at least the hamster seems to be having fun!

Busyness is only helpful to me when I have a goal. Cleaning at my day job requires busyness. Writing another blog post requires busyness. Anything requires busyness on my part for it to get done, does it not?

So, in that sense, busyness is not the hallowed shining virtue that society makes it out to be… no, it’s merely a necessity. Nothing gets done if you don’t get busy, that’s all.

Okay, now laziness is something worth writing about. Laziness recharges your batteries to be sure, but laziness for laziness’ sake can be a wonderful thing. I don’t live for busyness. No, I live for the times that I get to be lazy.

Kick back. Revel in the simple things. Catch a cloud with your thoughts. These are the things I live for, not more work. 🙂

Exactly Tony! “Nothing gets done if you don’t get busy, that’s all.” And you know, sometimes I think all the things that we think need doing are kind of optional. Anyway, I surely do enjoy your ideas about both busyness and laziness, and I think I may be trying to perfect a way to actually work while lazy. Can the two merge, do you think? Today I’m working, yet, I still feel lazy. Maybe I’m being a lazy worker? I don’t know, but I’m having a fun day. Thanks, Tony.

Funny how, when you let yourself let go and be “lazy,” it sounds like you started dancing. I find, when I stop using all that energy to control and be careful about what my body is doing, it knows what to do and finds it a lot easier to do it.

I know EXACTLY what you mean, Patty. On July 4th I took a day completely unplugged from computer and tv. Did writing, reading, went for a walk, took a nap. I felt wonderful! It was the first one of those days in many, many months. I did not feel lazy. However, this morning I did NOT want to turn my computer on, as much as a habit as it’s been.

Oh, you know, Davina, I went down to the Blogs R Us store and found someone who’d write my blog on the cheap. She was pretty sure she could sound like me, especially in my lazy state. And yes, I am certainly having a little fun with it – you found me out! Sounds like you too? And I know what you mean…a day unplugged leads to more days of wanting to be unplugged.

OK, Shay, I see now that in my laziness I missed an opportunity. I could have had everyone share their favorite lazy song! Another one of mine: “It’s a Lazeeeey Afternoon.” Or how about “Lazy, Hazy, Crazy days of Summer.” Now you’ve really got me going. But wait, I’m too lazy for this!

Interesting approach, interesting writing. Mind if I borrow your hammock for a few minutes?

Often in my travels I have noticed with both myself and others, that laziness depends more on valuation than any other reason or feeling. If one is “entrophized” with a particular activity, one sees no value in the effort. If on the other hand, one is motivated by the challenge, one will go to extremes to perfect and accomplish the goals.

So in my opinion, laziness resides in the emotional part of the “formatory” centre. In order to counter it, one needs both the moving and intellectual centres to pull along side and lend there “let’s get to it” esprit de corps.

Hi Eso! Great to see you here. You always make such perfect sense. I think I just need to find my esprit de corps. They’ve gone missing. But I have to admit, I have always found something quite compelling about the word “entropy.” I don’t know what it is. I like the sound of “torpor” too. Go figure. Thanks for the visit, my friend.

Hi Patty! Well I just LOVE lazy – this time of year screams out for us to take advantage whenever we can of the summer pleasures, some being nothing. But goodness, girl, change those negatives!!! How about
serene
peaceful
relaxed
I spend a LOT of time sitting on the porch or the dock here at the lakehouse, doing nothing but observing nature. The clock goes tick tock and I refuse to listen! So what? I manage to feed and bathe myself – haha – and some days nothing more! Enjoy!!!
hugs
suZen

Yeah, isn’t that something about those words? I got them from the thesaurus, of all places. I’m thinking those thesaurus types need a little lazy time themselves. And I am laughing out loud about the feeding and bathing part. I said to my husband the other day, “I think I’ll experiment with finding the absolute minimum I need to do to get through the day.” We are on the same wavelength, Sister. So I’m sending hugs from my imaginary porch to your real porch. Thanks suZen!

Patty: Great question and I don’t think there is anything wrong with you wanting to be lazy from time to time. I know that feeling sometimes swings my way as well. I think though we sometime underestimate the value of just relaxing and enjoying life and whatever seems attractive for us to do at the moment … even if that is nothing. Sometimes, we really do just need to sit back and let things be and if that means we are classified as lazy, so be it 🙂 Thanks for the great post. I really enjoyed it.

Hi Sibyl – Welcome, and thanks for the visit! Your comment reminds me of an article I read the other day about a very successful hotelier. I couldn’t help noticing that he said his happiest times were strolling through little towns, kicking back with friends, etc. Can’t remember exactly what he said, but words to that effect. I notice that a lot, very successful people looking back and saying, “you know, I was truly content when I wasn’t striving.” Seems important to pay attention to, don’t you think?

Ah, I think that there is a time and a place for lazy… the lazy days of relaxation or the lazy times that are necessary for health on all levels or those that inspire creativity…
Lazy… It does have its negative connotations, but in the end… it is all a matter of perspective!

I just spent a few lazy days on a ship and truly enjoyed them… I intend to spend a few more in Florida later this summer…
Enjoy your lazy days

For me, lazy started to resonate after many years of working like a dog, hitting/missing goals, following ambitions and society’s traditional expectations. Each year I brace myself for the naturally slow pace of the summer, then I sink into it. Weekends away, vacations far away, hanging out with friends, saying yes to invitations to celebrate any occasion. Work is great but laying out on a beach mat in the sun with a good book is pretty hard to beat.

So true, Belinda. I really like the way you sum up that journey you took. And the juxtaposition of bracing yourself for summer (I think I do that too), and then just giving in. Sinking in, as you say. It’s kind of like there’s a little hurdle I need to get past, to allow myself to flow with the natural rhythm of the season. Thanks for reminding me of that!

Your post title really got my attention. I never really liked Monday, too much to do and think about throughout the week. I think it’s totally cool for us to take a break and be a little lazy/selfish every once in a while. Be happy… Enjoy while you are at it, but don’t forget to get back to work!

Hi Hesbon – Welcome to my blog, so glad you’ve popped in for a visit. Yes, the Monday blues are definitely an epidemic. And what I’ve come to realize from my work with others is that many people hold a belief that all work is drudgery, no matter what. I actually like my work and don’t think it’s drudgery, but I’m still on the journey to balance work with play/laziness.

Dear Patty, I can’t help it, but I am laughing right now. I just found the honesty, the letting go in this post sooo healing and warmly humorous. The BEST kind of humor. I could relate to lately.

Although, I think I am having to “learn” to be lazy. I think I need to add a bit of lee-way into my life, and laziness does that. We often feel guilty for being lazy, and not always ALWAYS going, doing, keeping busy. BAH!!! That’s what I say to that! BAAAHHHH!!! LOL!!

You are a wonderful joy, Patty, in your own unique and highly playful spontaneous way, which I just LOVE!!!

OK, Robin, let’s all say a big BAAAAHHHH together. One, two, three: BAAAAAHHH! Wow, that feels good. I hope others will join us. It’s lovely to see you here, my dear, and you are so sweet with your words of affirmation. You sure know how to make a person feel good, Robin! So thank you. (And now go be lazy some more!) Hugs!

Lazy? I’ve never been so lazy in my life. The older I get the more I relax and know there is no where to get to! I love love love lavender and am going back to MI and will pick all of my daughter’s when I get there. She grows it just for me;) Happy Lazy and Happy Summer, Patti!

Well, Tess, I am a lavender fanatic too and if I could right now I’d pull you over to sit in my lavender circle (yes, I have one) and we could be lazy together! In the middle of my garden, in the middle of my lawn, I planted a large circle of lavender. There’s a bench in the middle of the circle, and it is heavenly to relax there on a lazy day. So good to hear you are being lazy too, these days. Take care, my friend.

Sometimes lazy is absolutely wonderful. I love a lazy afternoon, napping and relaxing. Reminds me of an article a read a while back about taking a sabbath each week; basically a day of rest where no work is done. I take one from time to time, but I have too much to do to take one every week. 😉

The first meaning of lazy (and the one that sticks) is averse or not inclined to work. That’s where the negative connotation comes from. Imagine someone averse to working in our culture? Not good at all. 🙂
Another meaning is ‘slow-moving’. Isn’t that what you’re talking about? You’re not doing anything bad, you’re just slowing down so that you can enjoy what is with no further need for action. If we all did that once in a while we would be in much better health and much happier. Let’s not call it lazy. Let’s call it ‘conscious’, ‘mindful’, or simply, ‘wise’.
Wishing you much slow moving living!

Now you’ve really got me thinking, Maryse. Because I know A LOT of people who are averse to working. Oh, they work, but they view it as drudgery. Have you heard that Katharine Hepburn quote: “The notion that work is a burden is a terrible mistake.” It’s interesting that laziness gets all wrapped up with that, because I don’t think aversion to work has much to do with being lazy. Oh, I could go on and on about that but I’ll refrain. Because you’re absolutely right: slow-moving is it! There’s also something called “hurry sickness,” and perhaps this is my way to balance out that (which, btw, is epidemic in our society). Thanks for the conversation, my friend!

Ok I get it…I am lazy too! However, what gets me out of bed sometimes is suspecting that someone out there may need my words of encouragement that day. And so it is a slow start but the momentum picks up. Nevertheless, I allow myself to have plenty of breaks. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to resist the same “sweet rebels” you had been having.

Ah, so true, Evelyn. Knowing that I have clients to see, even on a lazy, slow moving day, gets me out of bed every time too. That’s one responsibility I *never* shirk (unless I’m sick). I’m lucky, though, I do get to take frequent breaks, like you. Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Patty.
I look at nature. Things in nature grow at certain times and then they rest. Nothing in nature is on full tilt all the time. Because we humans have invented light and heating, we can carry on continuously. Our mistake. I look at nature and follow them. I take rests and guess what, nature gets a chance to do its thing while I am not looking and it is doing a lot of good things with me when I relax and am not looking.
You be lazy, it is the best thing ever. Enjoy my friend, hugs Wilma

So true what you say, Wilma. I read an article about a family who spent their summers without any artificial light or air conditioning or anything like that, and they spoke about how in tune they became with nature. Rising with the sun, productive in the morning, resting in the afternoons when it was especially hot, and going to bed when the sun went down. Sounds like a perfect day. I’ve also heard that dogs do it right in summer – spending lazy days in the shade because they know it is just too hot to do anything. Thanks for the visit, and hugs right back to you!

Oh my, I LOVE lazy days. Last week, Husband and I were off from work on a stay-cation. And what was great about having a whole week was the balance between doing stuff and being lazy. It’s hard to fit lazy in when we work 5 days and only have 2 day weekends for laundry, errands, cleaning, etc. But I’ve started to see the real value of a lazy day – thanks much to you and your writing, Patty! Lazy shouldn’t have a negative connotation anymore. Lazy = Peaceful, Relaxed, Rejuvenated!!

Mmmmmm. Lazy days are the BEST. For me, lazy means sleeping in and not getting out of my jammies until I feel like it. Or, just sitting, drinking coffee, staring out the window and day dreaming, feeling like I haven’t a care in the world.

All those chores get put on hold when I have a lazy day since I know they’ll wait.

Dear Patty, I loved this article but I have to tell you, I am very wary of laziness. All my life, I have stayed away from it, admonished it, chided it, and punished myself if I ever showed signs of laziness. Then I met my husband who showed me that balance, relaxation and breathing in life is NOT laziness – and that is what you are doing here. Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Farnoosh – Welcome, and thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your kind words about my writing, and how wonderful to have a husband who understands balance and relaxation and breathing in life. A beautiful way to put it!